Unite For Fair Polls

Democratic resilience is tested when the citizens become disappointed with the government and take to the streets, demanding governance and effective service delivery. The Gen Z movement in September last year reflected the youth aspirations for change. The country is now bracing for elections to the House of Representatives to fill the constitutional vacuum created after the Gen Z revolt that culminated not only in the downfall of the government but also in the dissolution of the parliament. The youth-led movements and public dissatisfaction revealed a generational impatience with politics as usual. The youth resentment was directed against misrule, entrenched corruption and instability.

The election is now ushering in a new parliament and restoring confidence in a system that binds the nation together. In her address to the nation, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the other day, said that the election would decide the future of both our country and ourselves. As the country arrives at this point with lots of turbulence, inspiration must be matched with introspection. With the election ahead, the country has now navigated back to stability. However, the voters must be careful while choosing their representatives. They must ask whether the political parties have learnt from the upheaval, and whether the new lawmakers will be able to address the concerns of the youth who took to the streets during the Gen-Z movement.  

Without the visible improvements, appeals to constitutional order risk sounding like a return to normalcy without any changes. The voters now seek real change, which would be felt by the citizens. The emphasis on peace during the electoral period is paramount. It must never be allowed to shatter communities or turn neighbours into rivals. Yet harmony is not the same as sameness. Having different opinions is the beauty and lifeblood of a democracy. The challenge is finding a way to protect the free exchange of ideas without ignoring the possibility of manipulation. 

Another factor is the management of disinformation that is easily disseminated in today's digital age of today. The government is also responsible for managing criticism and showing accountability. Security and logistical preparations are measures that are taken seriously. However, the integrity of the electoral process can be gauged not on the basis of the number of personnel put out, but on the impartiality of the process. Citizens must not only feel secure but must also feel that the outcome of the process will be reflected fairly.

Ultimately, this election will not be remembered for the rhetoric that has been put out. It will not be remembered for the process. It will be remembered for whether the democratic culture has been advanced or merely sustained. A peaceful day, a good turnout, and acceptance of the results across the political divide will suggest that progress has been made. However, the tipping point will come later, when the politicians elected must deal with the issues that created the unrest.

The burden rests on the politicians and the citizens. Politicians must ensure that the process is fair and that the temptation to equate criticism with disloyalty does not take hold. Citizens need to thoughtfully participate, vote, and remain vigilant after the elections. This moment should translate well into well-managed elections as a commitment to real reform and good governance.